OBIT: Fred S. PYLE, 2007, native of Somerset County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Meyersdale Library Transcribed and proofread by Barry and Betty Christy. jhurl@meyersdalelibrary.org Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/ ----------------------------------------------- PYLE, Fred S. 05/18/07 Daily American Fred S. Pyle, 87, Ormond Beach, Fla., and formerly of Mayo, Md., died May 14, 2007, at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach. Born April 17, 1920, in Somerset, the son of Martin Washington Pyle and Mae Emma (Zimmerman) Pyle. Preceded in death by parents and his brothers George, Joseph, Hamilton, Glenn and Benjamin. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Stella Hutzy Pyle; a son, Bruce and his wife, Sandy, Ormond Beach; and two grandchildren, John Pyle and Jaime Lewis; a step grandchild, Shannon Boler; a great-grandson, Tyler Lewis; sister-in-law, Dorothy Weaver Pyle, (wife of Hamilton), Somerset; Rowena Pifer Pyle, (wife of Glenn), Somerset; and several nieces and nephews. Fred was one of six sons, five of whom served in the Armed Forces during World War II. Their mother Emma was honored as being the first mother in the nation to have five sons serving in the U.S. Army. In 1942, Emma traveled to New York City where she was a guest on the "We The People" radio program. While in New York, she was presented the prestigious Five-Star Emblem of Honor by the Emblem Honor Society of New York. Fred entered the service with Company C National Guard in Somerset in 1938. In 1940, the National Guard was federalized and he became a chemical warfare NCO. He was then selected for MP training and served in the 65th and 66th Military Police Prisoner of War Detachment and later served in the 726th Military Police Battalion in the European and South Pacific theatres. World War II Military Police endeavors of Mr. Pyle and fellow members of the Military Police Unit appeared in the book, "The Soldiers at the Crossroad, The 726th Police Battalion in World War II" by Edwin L. Dooley Jr. Platoon Sgt. Pyle served in the Yaka POW camp in Okinawa where he was responsible for overseeing prisoners until December 1945. He was the recipient of the Victory Medal World War II, American Defense Ribbon, American Theatre Ribbon, EAME Theatre Ribbon, Bronze Star, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. He was recalled to service during the Korean Conflict and sent to Germany as an instructor in an NCO academy. M/Sgt. Pyle received the Occupational Medal (Germany) and honor-ably left the service in 1952. A 1938 graduate of Somerset High School, he attended Penn State University and later graduated from the Institute of Applied Science in Chicago. In 1955, he graduated from Public Service Institute of Pennsylvania Police School. He honorably served on the Somerset Police Department for 10 years and served seven years as Chief of Police. Later he served as Chief Master at Arms at the U.S. Naval Academy. Fred was a member of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police, Somerset Kiwanis Club, America Legion Post 181, Disabled American Veterans and Somerset First Christian Church. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Masonic Lodge 358. He had also served as Scoutmaster of Troop 131 in Somerset where he earned the distinction of having the entire troop of 13 young men in the community of Somerset earn their Eagle Scout Award, all at the same time under his leadership. He was the recipient of the Jaycees Distinguished Citizens Award for accomplishments as a police officer, youth training leader and citizenship and in 1974 he received a Commendation from the U.S. Naval Academy. Memorial donations may be made to Boy Scout Troop 131, Somerset PA, 15501. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Haigh-Black Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Haigh-Black.com.